Okay. Yes, those both sound like good slants. Always focus on the positive aspect of what you’re talking about and how it will apply to your being someone they should want on campus–as a Muslim, you have a good perspective on the value of diversity, for example. When you talk about your volunteer work, talk about what you’ve learned or experienced that you would bring to your school life, or how you feel you could continue this work on campus.

DON’T talk about anything in a way that suggests it is a weakness. That is, don’t point out that you “only got B grades”; say that you maintained a strong B average as well as participating in activities at your mosque and volunteering at the local hospital three times a week. (Fill in the actual facts, of course. *g*)

It’s all in the spin. I know these things are difficult to write because you’re not used to bragging about yourself, but that’s what the job requires. Good luck!