How can you write an interesting essay when you have nothing to write?

Your life is no less interesting than any of the other kids writing those essays. You’re all 17 year old kids; no one expects you to have conquered Everest or cured cancer (in spite of what you may read on this site.) My own kid had the best luck with tiny little snapshots into their lives. My son wrote about a phone call that had him rethinking his attitude towards school, my daughter wrote about a comment a teacher made that had her realizing she’s a lot like each member of our family.