Freshman who ‘could have gone to UC Berkeley’ fails first class
An Aggie Alert warned students to stay clear of California Hall due to commotion caused by the incident
By JORDAN POLTORAK — campus@theaggie.org
On March 16, a scream echoed so loudly from California Hall that an Aggie Alert was sent out to all students to stay clear of the area. Minutes later, the message was revised to state: “There is no imminent danger. Another freshman has been humbled by CHE 002A.”
During class that day, students received their midterm exams back.
Sam R. Tass, the first-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major who was heard screaming, spoke about his reaction to receiving his grade.
“I was feeling good about this class, you know,” Tass said. “I got an A in AP Chemistry, so I thought this would be a breeze.”
Tass explained that the class had turned out to be much harder than he had originally thought.
“I could have gone to Berkeley, but I chose Davis because I thought I could be at the top of my class,” Tass said. “Even the curve couldn’t save me; I probably should have studied more. I saw a bunch of my classmates walking into a building, and I thought, ‘oh sick it's that new frat throwing a dager,’ but turns out it was the library. After I realized what it actually was, I left. The ratio was so off.”
Fay King, a second-year animal science major, provided comment on Tass’ situation.
“We got our midterms back today, and this kid just started crashing out,” King said. “I sat next to him for the whole quarter and he was pretty chill. But we got our midterms back today, and he just screamed. I haven’t heard a scream that loud since last quarter when I helped a goat give birth.”
Reactions from classmates ranged from concern to disgust. After the incident, some students walked out of the class while others worried about Tass’ well-being. A few hours later, the Memorial Union was bustling with students talking about Tass.
Noah Tall, a fourth-year biochemistry major, shared his advice for Tass.
“It’s alright, I mean, everyone gets humbled by chemistry,” Tall said. “You just have to figure out what works for you. For me, it was having ChatGPT make me practice exams. For you, it might be switching majors to something more your speed.”
The following day, Mary Tass, Sam R. Tass' mother, arrived on campus, looking to speak to Tass’ professor.
“How dare he fail my child!” Mary Tass said. “He literally could have gone to Berkeley. Did you know that?”
The conversation was ultimately pointless, and Tass will be retaking the course during the spring quarter.
“It just sucks to have to retake it,” Tass said. “I’m disappointed. But hey, on the bright side, I did put in my transfer application, so I might be out of here next year. Go Bears!”
Tass shared with The California Aggie that he did not receive an acceptance to Berkeley and plans to reapply in the fall.
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Written by Jordan Poltorak — campus@theaggie.org