Name: Kimia Soltani
Hometown: Royal Palm Beach, Florida
High School: Suncoast Community High School
University: University of Southern California
Major: Psychology (pre-med track)
Scholarship: Edward T. Bedford Scholarship
Kimia Soltani, a freshman at the University of Southern California (USC), is already making strides in the field of psychology. As a Community Foundation scholarship recipient, she plans to turn her passion for mental health into a promising career dedicated to helping children and teens.
Kimia, a Royal Palm Beach native and graduate of Suncoast Community High School, is currently pursuing a psychology degree at USC’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. While adjusting to life on the West Coast has been challenging, she has fully embraced the opportunities available to her.
“I love USC! It offers a great balance of academics and social life,” she said. “I’ve been able to immerse myself in student organizations that align with my passions, like Psi Chi, Interaxon, and Alpha Epsilon Delta.”
Beyond academics, Kimia has a deep-rooted dedication to mental health awareness, particularly for young people. She is deeply committed reducing the stigma surrounding therapy and ensuring that children and teens feel comfortable seeking help. Her interest in psychology was partly influenced by her father, a clinical psychologist, but also by her own life experiences.
At just 13 years old, Kimia faced one of the most difficult periods of her life—her mother’s battle with ovarian cancer. Taking on additional responsibilities at home while navigating her own emotions helped shape her resilience and solidified her commitment to healthcare.
“Watching my mom fight cancer and feeling helpless was heartbreaking, but it also gave me a deep appreciation for the medical field,” she said. “I want to dedicate my career to helping others, just as the doctors did for my mom.”
Currently, Kimia is still deciding between pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree or attending medical school to become a psychiatrist. Regardless of which path she chooses, her goal remains the same—to work with children and teens and provide them with the mental health support they need.
The Edward T. Bedford Scholarship has played a crucial role in making her education possible.
“Without this scholarship, attending USC might not have been an option for me,” she said. “It has helped ease the financial burden of tuition and has allowed me to focus on my studies, extracurriculars, and internships.”
One of those internships, at The Bereavement Center, has been especially meaningful. Through the Community Foundation’s connections, Kimia has been able to intern remotely, learning about grief counseling and preparing for a more hands-on role this summer.
Her dedication extends beyond her studies and internships—Kimia also works as a math tutor and event usher at USC while volunteering at a local elementary school. These experiences, combined with her scholarship’s mentorship opportunities, have shaped her college journey in invaluable ways.
Kimia credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. and prioritized her education. Their sacrifices have fueled her determination to make the most of every opportunity.
“I always remind myself that there’s someone out there who would give anything to do what I’m able to do,” she said. “That mindset keeps me grateful and motivated.”
As she continues her studies, Kimia is excited about what lies ahead—potential study abroad opportunities, clinical experiences, and, ultimately, a career where she can make a difference in the lives of young people struggling with mental health challenges.
With a strong foundation of resilience, passion, and support from the Community Foundation, Kimia is paving the way toward a future as a leader in the field of psychology.
