Dr. Zelphia (Gore) Grissett graduated in 1973 from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) with a degree in history and teacher's certification. She also has master's degrees in secondary social studies and educational administration, as well as a doctorate in education. Grissett recalls her experience as one of the first African American students at Shallotte High School (Shallotte, North Carolina) and describes how her attendance at Governor's School impacted her later decision to attend college. She mentions Dr. Loren Schweninger as an influential professor at UNCG who led her to consider a history major. Grissett also discusses social life on campus and the ways in which she often hid her status as a UNCG student when speaking with non-UNCG African Americans in Greensboro. She also recalls campus protests after the shooting at Kent State University.