Jolyne was my first official tarantula. When I got Mista, it wasn't very long before I got hooked on the idea of owning more spiders... Heh... It'll happen to *you* so beware!
Mista was just a jumping spider however. A tarantula differs quite a bit from other spiders, yet not really... and a whole lot bigger. It took a lot of planning (and negotiating LOL) before I was allowed to finally have one and I chose an avicularia ^_^ I love her so much!
Some people think avicularia aren't great beginner tarantulas, but I disagree. Yes, they can be sensitive as slings especially, making the risks for mortality higher and room for mistakes smaller. They require good ventilation, maintaining ideal humidity levels and it can sometimes be tricky to get right for a newbie. Don't let your inexperience deter you from the spider your heart calls out to~ The one it yearns for~ Doing your research on a species is nessecary for success in any case, but the only way you'll truly learn is by first-hand experience
Avicularia are an ideal beginner spider if you're keen on eventually owning more 'advanced' aboreal species. They can be surprisngly fast, but in short bursts so they aren't terribly hard to catch if you get a runner. Their average body ratio makes it easy to tell the difference between a hungry/overfed spider. They are extremely reluctant to bite, prefering to flee or slapping to deter. They are great webbers, and will fill their enclosure with silk. So don't get too attached to how it looks when you set-up >w< They'll always redecorate! I think all of these qualities about them really makes it a worthwhile consideration
One thing I should say... When they're feeling anxious... Avicularia have a unique defense where they projectile their excrement at you... Yeah... So watch out for the butt cannon! They can have pretty good aim too >_o
My favourite fact about these spiders is their behaviour in the wild - They live in the trees along riverbanks and if they feel cornered and like they're facing death, they just yeet themselves into the rivers and float downstream to escape the threat, clever and funny! Tarantulas can swim really well, by the way. Did you know that their hair is hydrophobic? They can collect airbubbles against their body and lungs, allowing them to scuba dive and remain under water in the case of threats... Truly incredible!