HannahMcMillansPortfolio

I created this logo to foreground the threats coral reefs are facing throughout the world.

Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species. {https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/corals/coral07_importance.html} These wildlife habitats (coral reefs) are imperiled throughout the world. A recent report estimated that 75 percent of remaining coral reefs are currently threatened, and many have already been lost. Even some of the most remote and pristine reefs are losing species. https://defenders.org/coral-reef/threats

This is a huge problem.

“Healthy coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and economically valuable ecosystems on Earth, providing valuable and vital ecosystem services.

Coral ecosystems are a source of food for millions; protect coastlines from storms and erosion; provide habitat, spawning and nursery grounds for economically important fish species; provide jobs and income to local economies from fishing, recreation, and tourism; are a source of new medicines, and are hotspots of marine biodiversity.”

— US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.coralvita.co/why-reefs-matter

If you’d like to make a difference, check out this website where you are able to buy pieces of coral, and have them named and planted by the people with the mission: https://www.coralgardeners.org/the-project

-And there are many other organizations trying to plant new coral in various different areas, in which you can easily find using your search bar by typing something like, “coral gardening,” “planting new coral,” etc.

The picture of a dragon fly balanced on a unique painted iron:

I chose this picture because I consider myself to be balanced and the picture on the iron reminds me of my home.

The picture of my ski tuning station at home:

Skiing is something I cherish and work really hard for; training, tuning, and traveling wise. It’s a big commitment, especially with school going on. And though summer is my favorite season, I wanted to show that winter and snow is a close second.  

The picture of the speaker set:

I took this picture of my speakers/stereo because I wanted to emphasize my love for all music- I like it loud.

The picture of the 1000 cranes hanging on the wall:

They’ve been there since my older sisters back surgery when she was in 5th grade. I’ve always interpreted them as a reminder of peace, hopefulness, and love, which are 3 very important aspects to my personal, moral, ethical code.

The  picture of the Peter Pan puzzle:

I saw the puzzle as an analogy to my life; I’ve lived some of my life, but there are still so many pieces to put into it so that when I die I feel I’ve served my purpose, or at least did the things I dreamed of doing growing up. I’m hoping I’ll be able to finish most of my puzzle.

(Cartoon is separate)