65th Annual STS (2005-2006)
Finalists
Diane Jeehea Choi

NEW YORK
Diane Jeehea Choi, 17, of Syosset, entered the Intel Science Talent Search with a behavioral and social sciences project that examined amae, the uniquely Japanese nonverbal expression of the need to be passively loved, a concept not easily translated to Western understanding. She surveyed both non-Japanese and ethnic Japanese in the U.S., analyzing their identification with the roles of both seeker and giver of this mutual empathy and their expectations of acceptance. Diane found that residence in Japan, more than Japanese ethnicity, increased their identification with the desire for the pleasure gained from participating in passive amae, which springs from the early mother-child bond. Fluent in French and Korean, Diane cites the proximity of Korea and Japan and their cultural similarities as sources of her intrigue with amae. A flutist at Syosset High School with many debate honors, she is also editor-in-chief of the yearbook. Diane is enthralled with the written and spoken word and writes "to clarify her awareness of the world." An avid reader who scored 2400 in critical reading, math and writing on the SATs, she is the daughter of David and Hea Choi. Diane would like to attend Harvard or Yale.