Dottie Melin, Floor Supervisor in Barker Cafe

In this series, we probe the minds of people around campus by asking them the same set of questions about Harvard and Cambridge life. Want to suggest an interviewee? Leave a comment or e-mail us at flyby@thecrimson.com.

DOROTHY A. "DOTTIE" MELIN, Floor Supervisor in Barker Cafe

What time do you wake up in the morning?

I wake up at 6:30.

Who is your favorite Harvard alum, real or fictional?

I don’t know if there’s any in here that I know.

Was Larry Summers sexist?

Larry Summers was at my Harvard Heroes Award, and he seemed nice to me.

Who is the smartest person you know?

Would have to be any one of these Harvard kids—they’re the smart ones.

What have you always wanted to tell tourists in the Yard?

Just come on in and look around.

What was your most recent CVS purchase?

I think I got inner soles—you know, for my shoes.

Harvard Bookstore or Coop?

I like the bookstore. Some people gave me a gift certificate there.

Where do you get your burritos?

I don’t usually get burritos. I like tacos, but I don’t usually get them around here. I make all that stuff myself.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve passed on the streets of Cambridge?

You know the one who had  the fight with the cop? [Skip Gates?] Yeah—Skip Gates. He’s one of the nicest, funniest guys I know.

What’s your neurosis?

What do you mean by neurosis? [What drives you crazy?] What drives me crazy is this microwave over here with this noise—sounds like you’re hitting the sound barrier.

When’s the last time you took the T?

I ride the T everyday. Yesterday to the doctor’s, but I mostly ride the bus.

Describe Harvard students in one word.

Great. I love these kids.

Photo courtesy of Xi Yu/The Harvard Crimson.