Keep It Calm
PARTNER: Dot Kowal
DATE: February 2026
LOCATION: Burlingame, California
Keep It Kind and Dot Kowal Partnered to Host Over a Dozen Sophomore and Junior High School Girls at a Workshop Intended to Support and Calm Fears Around the College Admission Process
Overview:
This year more than ever we felt the pressure and stress around the college admission process. We realized that even though we shared the same fears we weren’t really talking about it - not with our friends, parents or counselors. We decided the best thing to do would be to partner with a college counselor who believed and promoted the importance of balance and maintaining a positive outlook on what’s ahead.
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The goal of this workshop was to support high school sophomores and juniors as they go through the pressure surrounding college admissions. We recognize that many of our peers were experiencing stress, doubts and comparison without feeling comfortable to talk about it. By partnering with an experienced college counselor we created an environment where students could comfortably ask questions, gain perspective and feel reassured about what is ahead.
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We began by researching college counselors in our area who focused on a holistic and balanced approach to the admissions process. After reaching out to several, we partnered with Dot Kowal who aligned closely with our goals. We then designed a flyer and promoted the workshop across social media, as well as through emails and text messages to reach students outside of our immediate circle. This helped us build a strong and engaged group of girls. In addition, we coordinated with Dot Kowal to offer each attendee a complimentary 30 minute follow up session.
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During the workshop students were able to openly talk about the college admissions process, share what was stressing them out, and ask questions in a supportive judgment-free space. Dot Kowal led the session by giving practical advice on how to stay organized, manage stress and approach everything with a more balanced mindset. She also offered the attendees and their parents an opportunity to ask any and every question they had regarding the college process.
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Sixteen girls and their parents attended the different workshops and they all shared that they felt less overwhelmed and less lonely in the process and more confident about their ability to handle it. It helped shift their mindset from pressure to a more realistic and doable approach. Many reached out to Dot for a follow up session and reported receiving additional guidance and support from her. It was also incredibly meaningful for us as founders and organizers, and showed us how much of a difference creating a space like this can make. We walked away feeling a lot calmer about what lies ahead.
