To: PAR residents of the mid-'90s
From: Lorren Cotton, actress
Re: Belated apologies
"One of my most vivid memories, though later you’ll wonder how, was my freshman year working as the night clerk at PAR on Saturday nights into Sunday mornings.
"Even though I actually lived in FAR, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., I could be found across the street, in the lobby, watching the 'luckies' stagger in from a late night out, scramble to get to the computer lab, or wander about searching for fellow all-night spades players.
"I recall often wondering what their stories were — who were they, what were their majors, and why were they awake at 4 a.m. if they could be in bed — like I wanted to be.
"As the spring semester drew to a close, the PAR up-all-nighters and I learned that night clerking just was not for me, as I’d often be found asleep across the table I sat behind. Sometimes, I’d wake up startled by a random laugh or door, determined to stay strong until my shift was done. Alas, it was never to be.
"With each new weekend, I became more narcoleptic — sleeping on the couch, upstairs in a friend’s dorm during rounds. Oh, I was completely useless by the end.
"Sorry, former PAR'ians. I did really want to keep you safe. The Sandman just has it out for me. I was putty in his hands."
