>> "I've got to use the facilities before things begin so I'll catch up with you after. Otherwise it was very nice to meet you."

Levi gleefully accepted the handshake, though worried as his hands were ice cold. "Yeah, you as well! Thanks so much for walking with me. Maybe I'll get to see you at Sanctuary sometime." The two said their short goodbyes, and Levi watched as Devon turned and walked away. It was strange... how some days it seemed like everyone else was clueless and others it was like everyone but Levi had their lives in order. After meeting Devon, it definitely felt like the latter.

That was part of the reason Levi was showing up the event in the first place, though. To start to get everything figured out, and to try to find his place in his new environment. A handful of people were passing out flyers at a table near the entrance to the auditorium. Levi passed by and quickly grabbed one of each before entering. The first few rows were already filled up, as well as the majority of the back row. 

"Excuse me," Levi skirted past a few women and took a seat closer the center of the room. The discussion was scheduled to start soon, but there was still a short wait. Levi pulled out his phone and scrolled through his social medias to pass the time. He decided to look up the 'Sanctuary' that Devon mentioned as the lights illuminating the audience portion of the room began to dim slightly. 

If Levi’s hands were cold, well- The cold had never bothered Devon anyway.

>> "Yeah, you as well! Thanks so much for walking with me. Maybe I'll get to see you at Sanctuary sometime."

Devon grinned, “I hope so. Help is always wanted and always appreciated.” He gave a slow nod and then headed the way of the restroom. It was great to run into someone with such fervent energy and interest right before a speaking engagement. It was emboldening, invigorating. He also drew out his phone and texted Secret Keeper to get someone to check on the musician he and Levi had passed.

After using the facilities, he headed back stage to grab some water and check on the itinerary of speakers for the evening. He knew there were a few others including the Director of Volunteer Services at Langone Hospital, a medical and academic center, and the Vice President of Volunteerism at NYU. They spoke with the President of the University as well as she typically opened and closed such events. She was a hard-working, brilliant, and caring woman that was devoted to the future of her students and the university. Devon felt privileged to work with her.

Soon the lights flickered and people hurried into their seats. At the same time the guest speakers – Devon included – came out from the back and onto the stage, taking seats along a long table with a podium at its center. Devon smiled cheerfully as he poured his neighbors and himself a glass of water. Jennifer – the VP of Volunteerism – was a pleasure to talk to as he quickly and quietly asked how her family was, their holiday plans… The President meanwhile went to the podium.

Teresa Harzington was the first female President of New York University. She’d studied English literature and Biology in school, becoming a leader in genetic research before she’d even attained her doctorate. Her knowledge of biochemistry and medicinal biology helped cement the school’s interests not only in health and wellness, but also mutant studies. She was interested in human rights, mutant rights, fair treatment, and also protection for both sides of mutant-involved dangers. She’d been opposed to the META bots and continued to be so.

Devon loved her.

“Good evening and welcome to New York University. I thank you all – students, faculty, staff, alumni, guests, and gracious speakers,” she turned to either side to smile and nod at them, “For being with us here tonight. The hard work of our people empowers us, enriching not only this academic institution but our community. First of those we’ll hear from tonight I’d like to introduce Ms. Jennifer Maize, our Vice President of Volunteerism here at NYU.”

Devon clapped as did many others as the woman stood and spoke of the various avenues of volunteerism. She gave figures for the amount of volunteer hours through her department, where they helped place students, staff, and even local community members to volunteer. People cheered happily, proudly. Soon she was speaking of examples, calling attention to public health activities, environmental stability, service learning, and global engagement as well as social entrepreneurship and urban development. She concluded with a transition to the next speaker, “And I’m proud to introduce a recent alumnus, whose efforts at the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter and Community Center have grown through his private company Hadden’s Havens as well as founding the educational and social growth support non-profit of volunteerism: Haven. Please welcome Mr. Devon Hadden.”

People clapped as Devon rose from his seat, blushing slightly but grinning cheerfully. He’d abandoned his peacoat and bag back stage, revealing dark suited pants, a brilliant blue shirt with black tie and vest to match. Taking the mic, he bowed his head, “Thank you but please, let’s have another round of applause for Ms. Maize. Her staff are amazing people if you haven’t met them and I encourage you to do so. If you’re looking to get more involved, they will help you do it. And I should note, they will help you personally too.” He turned to personally look at Jennifer, “Truly, I came to NYU a scared, struggling young man and you fostered my hope into action, success, and pride. My accomplishments are nothing without recognition of you, my teachers, peers, and this very institution.” He stopped to clap as did many others.

As that quieted, Devon continued, “This institution values more than education, but wellness, diversity, originality, creativity… And care. We are a many blended culture of still more cultures with hearts and minds working toward not simply our betterment, but that of our community. It’s the lesson I learned here that you must take care of yourself before you can help others that inspired me to start the Havens. My business helps you as we all need help sometimes whether for medical, psychological, or simply physical needs even stress or burnout. There is no shame in that; it’s responsible to recognize this. Ready, invigorated, and well individuals can move to Haven, which itself brings all those leaders, volunteers, and even businesses who wonder ‘how can I help, where should I invest in the future’ together. We need to be investing in one another, especially those struggling against a world of challenges, or even their own government that holds them back.

“You can be a part of this. Want to but can’t right now? Let us know how to help you. The resources here at NYU, the people on this stage… We want to help you because you want to help others. It’s for that reason I’m excited to announce Haven’s partnership with NYU through sponsored credit, educational outreach, and internship programs,” he said joyfully as applause started. Devon continued excitedly, “We’ve only just begun having focused on urban education program and civil rights of minority groups, especially those of mutants. But we can be so much more and I know that’s possible with the continued power of our people, the strength of our community, and the collaboration of educational investment and global outreach.”

He went on of specific programs, often referencing others in the Haven organization or members of the NYU community. “In fact,” he said at one point, “I even met a gentleman today with keen ideas of socio-political impact on our economically challenged or minority individuals. These areas need you and I’m thankful to know you are here.” With call outs to Sanctuary’s community impact and the educational partnership to NYU, Devon concluded with an inspiring and truly warm thanks yet again for those who aided his education and recent activities here at the school and beyond. “I said at the beginning of the semester that this generation has a chance to bring balance and harmony to a chaotic world, struggling between naturalism and technology, diversity and unification, humanity and mutantcy. Because of you and the steps you take, we’re not only bettering ourselves but our society. I thank you, and thank you for letting me be here today.”

As Jennifer returned to the podium she thanked Mr. Hadden and encouraged him to consider leading a class one day. Devon laughed though honestly he loved the idea. He’d have to consider a curriculum of course. It couldn’t all be discussions of getting involved and what one could do, even if that encouraged a crowd like this. Teresa was to speak next, and she too was bountiful of energy and intelligence, speaking of the hospital’s accomplishments from the people gathered and how they might become or continue being involved.

Over an hour later the other speakers concluded with the President of the University thanking all in attendance. The speakers stood and applauded a few volunteers in the audience for accomplishments of time and even one who was presented an award for an internationally-recognized recycling initiative. It concluded with thanks once again from the President and an echoing statement of hope and encouragement. “Now please, enjoy refreshments provided by the culinary department. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!”

Devon clapped, a wide grin upon his face even as he considered the depth of care the assembled body here today truly had. He dashed the dark thought from his mind, reminding himself there was at least one here who’d spoken with true concern and that was before the event had even started. Rising once more from his seat he joined the other speakers off stage to have a drink maybe even a cookie or two.