Loops of Love

Two brothers use their Sokoloff Prize to teach the elderly how to knit.

With funding from a Kiril and Kate Sokoloff Prize in support of their summer service project, Loops of Love, twin brothers William Su ’26 and Ryan Su ’26 spent weeks teaching residents in a senior home in Washington, D.C., how to knit hats and scarves that were ultimately donated to the unhoused.

“When we told people about our project last year, the most frequently asked question was, ‘You’re going to teach a bunch of grandmas to knit?’ The short answer is, yes,” William said in the brothers’ chapel talk on Oct. 7. “Fun fact: Not a single person at that elderly home knew how to knit before we arrived.”

The brothers discovered the pastime early in their St. Paul’s careers and quickly appreciated how knitting’s repetitive, meditative motion alleviated stress. Then, it became a bit of an addiction — and the hats, scarves, blankets, sweaters started piling up.

Sharing the joy and benefits they’ve found through knitting hit a few snarls as Loops of Love began, but it was mission accomplished by the project’s end.

“While what we did … highlighted the joy and community spirit that came from crafting by hand, we can’t help but wonder … why do we still knit when machines make [things] so much better? I’ll admit it, despite the pride I take in all my projects, they are flawed,” Ryan shared in chapel. “However, unlike machine-woven fabrics made from cold commands, every loop in a hand-made hat is a stitch of love, and every row is a symbol of commitment. … While machine-made products can only provide warmth on the surface, handmade fabrics created with love and care can travel deeper.”

The Sokoloff Prize is awarded annually to a Fifth Former who submits a proposal for a service project and who “has a special and unique kindness and compassion; seeks a personal transformation toward spirituality; demonstrates a vision to make the world a better place through service for the good of mankind; and acts as an inspirational leader for his/her peers and classmates.”

The Su brothers see compassion and the kindness as the essence of being human — they are, as William pointed out, qualities that AI as yet cannot replicate.

“ … reflect on that side of yourself that makes you human. Be grateful for every kind and compassionate act that has molded who you are today and do the same for others around you. Find pride in being a good person. It’s fascinating how scientists are still puzzled by the specific biological reason to why we as humans feel joy when we help others, but the truth is, we don’t need to know why; we just need to feel happy,” he concluded. “So … guide others to a more meaningful life through your compassion and kindness, offer your help to the most overlooked corners of your world. You will motivate others, and as you impact more people, more will join you. In a world of too much anger and indifference, we must be proactive in being kind even when it’s difficult, and I can assure you that the world will be a better place because of you.”

Loops of Love: A Journey of Challenges and Joy