Randomization Letter Highlights Students' Loss

To the editors:

As an alumna of Harvard, I feel inclined to respond to the article "Tutors Criticize Randomization in an Open Letter" (May 5) and say that I completely support the statements in the letter. In recent visits to Cambridge, I have noticed the lack of comfort and House spirit embodied in the present House system. Fortunately, I was in one of the last groups of students able to choose my home for three years. I chose Cabot, North, Currier and Adams as my four choices for the housing lottery. The vibe in these four Houses fit my personality. The lottery placed my blocking group and I in Cabot House where we remained for the final three years.

If I were an undergraduate in the present environment, I would probably not live on campus past my freshman year. My experiences at Harvard were shaped primarily by the positive experiences I had in Cabot House.

I encourage the administration to listen to the opinions of House tutors, undergraduates, alumni, House staff and House masters regarding this change in the House environment. By continuing with the present system of randomization, the administration will continue to rob undergraduates of an experience more valuable than what they pay in tuition. NISHA D. S. HITCHMAN '97   Philadelphia, Pa.   May 8, 1998