When I was about 7 or 8, our neighbours(who were good friends of my parents) were moving and asked me if I'd like to have their 20 gallon guppy tank, everything included. My parents thought it would teach me some responsibility and allowed me to have it. I had that tank running for about 6 years, never buying new fish, just letting "nature take it's course"... When I was 12, I added a 30 gallon tank and kept basic "community fish" in it(tetras, angel fish, mollies, swordtails, pleco, etc...). From there, my love for the hobby really grew and now, at age 23, I have 7 tanks set up in my basement. My favourite is my 66 gallon brackish tank. I think I'm ready to try salt water now and really wanna set up a porcupine puffer tank...
I really owe those old friends a big "thank you"!