College Application Essay: Influence of My Academic Interest in Education An experience that significantly influenced my academic interest in education stems from the death of my uncle. In today’s society, students spend more time at school than at home. Therefore, teachers must be in-tune with their students. If teachers cared more about their students and wanted to make a difference in their lives, then maybe my uncle would be here today. My uncle started showing interest in drugs when he was about sixteen. He was living with my parents and going to high school in Houston. He lived with my parents bec