Share and Follow
Isabella Strahan has returned to college life with a renewed zest, embracing the vibrant atmosphere of campus after being declared cancer-free. In a recent conversation, the 21-year-old expressed her enthusiasm for resuming her studies at the University of Southern California following her recovery.
Having completed her cancer treatments over a year ago, Isabella is now fully immersed in her life as a Trojan, juggling her academic responsibilities with her burgeoning modeling career and various other commitments.
“It’s definitely a lot, but I love it,” she confided to E! News. “I enjoy the mix of modeling, my passions, schoolwork, and the student experience, especially right now.”
Originally from the East Coast, Isabella took a break from her studies for nearly 10 months to undergo treatment for medulloblastoma. Now, she cherishes the day-to-day activities she once might have overlooked.
Reflecting on her time away, she shared, “When I was going through treatment, it was the only focus. You don’t realize how much you miss school until you’re unable to be there, and then it becomes the one thing you long for.”
Her schedule is now filled with a full blend of student life and career opportunities ranging from rushing to class to hopping on a casting Zoom or flying to Miami for a shoot with F.A.S.T. haircare, where she serves as the brand’s first ambassador.
“It feels like a Miley Cyrus moment—like, ‘Oh, I’m in school,’ or Hannah Montana. It’s so fun for me,” she joked.
Now back in Los Angeles, Isabella is soaking in everything she missed: time with friends and sorority sisters, long days on campus, and the support of her family, including dad Michael Strahan, mom Jean Muggli and twin sister Sophia.
“I know so many people at USC, which is great, and it’s definitely the school for me,” she said. “It’s just so fun to have a community of people who are super supportive.”
Her partnership with F.A.S.T. haircare is one that also holds emotional weight. Founder Carolyn Aronson said Isabella was the perfect choice. “Her journey, how open she was, how brave she was. I think she’s the perfect, beautiful face.”
For Isabella, the collaboration resonates deeply as she documents the regrowth of her hair after treatment.
“I feel like this partnership with F.A.S.T. is super meaningful,” she said, “obviously because I am a cancer survivor and losing my hair has been one of the biggest mental things for me.”
Hair had always been a big part of her identity, making the loss feel personal. “I’ve learned, from a standpoint of how I feel about myself and where I used to find a lot of beauty within my hair,” she shared. “So when I lost it, it was kind of like a heartbreak.”
Now, as her hair returns, so does her confidence. “The faster it’s coming back, the more I’m looking forward to feeling like my old self, or just have more security in my confidence.”
Photo Credit: Isabella Strahan