Freshman year I had the opportunity to find one of the greatest roommates.

Since then we have created a lot of memories, one of which being the moms of a fish family (well a couple of them). Over the past 3 years, we had a great time owning fish as pets and it has taught us a lot. It's bittersweet knowing we won't have any fish this last year of college, but it was fun having them for as long as we did in college.

Although it was just fish, owning a pet has taught my roommate and I a lot. We learned how to work together to take care of them. Owning a pet can be costly, but together we would buy our fish all that they needed. Fish are easier to take care of than dogs or cats, but you still need to clean out their tank, feed them, and even had to figure out what to do over winter and summer breaks. We learned to be responsible for them and take turns caring for them.

Not only did our fish teach us about responsibility, but it was the first pet we had that it was truly up to us to take care of. When you are a kid growing up with a pet it is fun, but most of the time your parents are the ones taking care of them and footing the bill. When you own a pet in college it is all up to you. It can be a little much at first (depending on the pet) but it can be exciting to know that you took care of it all on your own.

Having a pet in college can alleviate stress from schoolwork and it can make your time at school much more enjoyable. My roommate and I grew to love our guppies. Although they didn't last long and we bought multiple fish families over the course of the past three years, we grew to love each and every one of them.

Having a pet in college can do so much more than help with stress or be fun to play with. They can create college memories that last a lifetime. Just see for yourself.

Thank you Bud, Tequila Sunrise, Thomas Wett, Swim Shady, The Real Swim Shady, Fish Sticks, David Schwimmer, Harley, and Harley Finn for allowing Steph and I to create some awesome college memories.