In order to attend public school for free, Hurston presented herself as 16 (she was really 26 years old). Later, she studied anthropology and became the first African American graduate (male or female) from Barnard College. Known for her three seminal works: 1). Jonah's Gourd Vine and 2). Tell My Horse and 3). Their Eyes Were Watching God, Ms. Hurston was a great influence on three of the most important African American authors (Maya Angelou; Toni Morrison; and Alice Walker).