From Teddy Bears to Business Cards – It Feels Like Home
We had a great response to the Invitation Homes “There’s No Place Like Home” scholarship contest. Over 700 students from across the nation submitted an essay, and we are thrilled to have awarded five $1,000 scholarships.
We wanted to hear what items students took with them to make their new spaces feel like home. Students turned in essays with an array of items ranging from business cards to teddy bears, demonstrating that home means something different and special to everyone.
See the winners below, which includes an Invitation Homes resident, Jessica.

Bryanna G., a college junior, entered an essay about a handwritten cookbook with family recipes she shares with her friends.

Sahara S., a high school senior, wrote about the stuffed bee that her grandmother gave her in Iran.

Autumn S., a college junior, wrote about the Improv Collective business cards that remind her of her found family.

Jessica T., a college freshman, wrote about a spotted teddy bear called Sweetdreams to help her sleep as a child.

Trevor W., a college freshman, wrote about the letter his twin brother left him before enlisting in the Marines.
The five winners were chosen by a blind panel of Invitation Homes associate judges and an independent third-party.