im also 17 (almost 18 yess), and a college student and i have a ball python cause i wanted a pet that i could keep in my townhome. i dont understand how anyone could get bored with a snake! do TONS of research on it. talk to breeders and such and make sure its something you want to committ to. although there are times you may need topay extra attention to your pet, most of the time they are independent and low maintenance.