Mistrunner

1. This should be the easiest one, so far as making it sound interesting. Just choose something you're passionate about (preferably something you can tie to your educational goals—for instance, if you're interested in writing fiction and pursuing a journalism degree because you'd be telling stories about things that happened in real life) and talk about what it is and why you love it. Your passion will help make it interesting to read about. 

2. Let emotion shine through on this one. And the leading emotion doesn't have to be some sort of sorrow or regret; if you choose a failure you now find humorous, play up the comedy. But if it is something that saddens you, or something you now regret, be honest. Don't be afraid to go into the difficulties you faced and how it made you feel. Don't overdo it, but don't go for a completely emotionless retelling, either. 

3. Community service projects. What are some community service projects you've done, or that you're currently doing? Do you volunteer at your church? Every community service project or volunteering project meets some community need; and each need met can serve as a broader example of how you strive to meet needs in general. For instance, if you volunteer your time by acting as a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, then you're meeting that child's need for positive role models and constructive activities, and meeting the community's need for mentors in general. It's also an example of how you care for the next generation and want to ensure they have as many opportunities to succeed as possible. Stuff like that. 

4. What do you feel you bring to your friendships? Your church? Your classes? You'll bring all of that to your university community. 

And finally, some general advice: Don't strive for an academic tone. Strive for a more conversational one. Don't be too chatty, but don't be uptight, either. Imagine you're answering a question for a friend of your parents' that you want to impress. But this isn't a stranger; it's someone who's known your parents for a while, has just gotten back in touch, and is super excited to see what you've accomplished in the years they've been gone. Be clear and concise, but don't be clinical. Have as much fun with it as you can. 

Twi, you're a lifesaver.

I've just done this a couple times, and I'm happy to help.