Thanks, guys. The library itself is a problem for me, but it's handling the books that's the real problem. From experience, I've found it's very difficult to use tissues or clothing or other "covers" to do some things, including turning pages and carrying books (I'd have to make sure the books don't touch my arms or shirt, which makes carrying more than one book a problem; and if the one book is big and/or heavy, that makes the risk higher). I may still try using gloves; I just feel conspicuous, is all. I wouldn't mind telling someone it's because I have OCD, although I always worry when I tell someone that, they'll be one of those persons who thinks it's funny to torment someone like me by trying to make me touch things (or using things to touch me) that are issues for me. Maybe a little paranoid, but it comes from experiences.

Costello, I honestly don't know what they mean by "in good standing." That's what my advisor said to me. Maybe they think it will label me as a quitter. I can't deny that; I have trouble sticking to things, but I don't think the college should label me as a quitter for one time with the intention of coming back next semester or in the fall (I'd consult my advisor to see which he thinks is best).

Seeker, thank you for your sympathy. Believe me, it feels good to know someone gets how I feel. I really want to take acting, and also some art classes if I can work it into my required programs. I'm in Fundamentals of Drawing right now, and enjoying that (except for the stools most students sit on--my legs fall asleep and then I almost fall down when I stand up off them; I'm very out-of-shape and that's my fault, but this is how it is right now. However, there are a couple of folding chairs in the room, and I grab one of them when I can). As I said, when we work with charcoal, I wear my gloves, but only the teacher has asked me about it (although not privately, as I'd have preferred). I didn't tell her I had OCD, but that I don't want the charcoal getting all over my hands and then spreading to other things I might touch (including my purse, pencils, art supplies, etc.) before I wash my hands.

My original idea was to take graphic design, use that to make some money to save to move to New York, and while I'm in NY, pursue an acting career when I have the time.

And Seeker, I love your "artrox" pictured in your sig. I'd like to be able to paint (preferably both with acrylics and digitally) realistically like that (which is one reason I'm in a drawing class--it's part of my degree program, but I genuinely wanted to take it to see if I can improve, but I also know the biggest help is to practice more). I'm not great with proportions and light and shadow stump me somewhat.