Ben Stievater ‘22
Events Editor
Although it’s been nearly six months, many aspects of our “new normal” continue to present challenges that can be strange and frustrating to face. From sitting next to someone in class to hitting Bar Review, things that once seemed a given feel far away, or at least vastly different behind a mask and six feet apart. We’ve been forced to connect more creatively in our professional, personal, and—we’ll say it, you smokeshows, you—romantic lives. Indeed, like a professor explaining the holding five minutes past the bell, love continues on, so we at the Law Weekly thought it would be intriguing, pleasantly distracting, and (dare we say it) heartwarming to hear how couples and singles alike are handling romance in light of all these changes. You've heard of Love in the Time of Cholera, but get ready for Love in the Time of Corona.
This week's guests are Law Weekly’s own Kolleen Gladden ’21 and her boyfriend, Christian Sorensen ’21.
Hi Kolleen and Christian! Welcome to Love in the Time of Corona. Let’s start with some background—how did you two get together and what’s coming next as 3Ls?
Kolleen: Hi Ben! So, we started dating earlier this year, literally right before school went remote in the spring. We met earlier though. My roommate, Grace Tang ’21, was in Christian’s 1L section and I offered to drive them both to a section sunset hike. I was pretty bold—I asked Christian what type of woman he liked that very first meeting. I also got pulled over for speeding, so maybe a little too bold!
Christian: Bold, but also chaotic and quirky. We started talking more in the fall of 2L and bumped into each other in a parking lot late one night and literally stood there for an hour talking about everything under the sun, from her home life in Missouri to the time an escaped emu crashed into her car and dented the windshield.
[A brief digression wherein emus, their inexplicable location in Missouri, and their terrifying size were discussed.]
As for what’s next, we’re both going to end up in NYC! I’ll initially be clerking in Delaware before switching back to my firm in the city, and Kolleen will be looking for a fellowship up there.
Pictured: Cutest looking couple west of the Mississippi River! Photo Courtesy of Kolleen Gladden ‘21.
Emus, man. Let’s talk ’rona. What’s the situation been like for you two in the spring, summer, and now? You had just started dating before this all went down.
Kolleen: Exactly. Honestly, as devastating as this has all been on a macro level, it’s worked out well for us on a micro one. Even though we had just started dating, we just went for it and planned visits to each other and met each other’s families a few times over the summer.
Any challenges or silver linings?
Christian: Both a challenge and silver lining would be my study abroad in Australia being canceled this semester. I was excited to go, but am also grateful to have this time here to spend with Kolleen and friends.
Kolleen: I think there were some stresses this summer unrelated to our relationship that were challenging for me, but dating Christian made things way less stressful. Going through this with him has made things way better than if I was going through them alone.
Crikey, sorry to hear that mate but glad you can throw some shrimp on the barbie with your Sheila state-side. Speaking of exotic locations, if y’all could pick a “dream location” to be isolated in right now, where would it be and why?
Answer: Catalonia in Spain! Christian has been before, and you only ever hear great things about it.
Ah, Bartha-lona. Tell me, what do you admire most about each other?
Kolleen: His commitment to his friends and family. He gets together on Zoom once or twice a week with his high school friends and family to chat, which is something I like and similarly value. He’s also crazy considerate. I’ll mention an interview or event I have offhandedly, and he puts reminders in his phone about them. Sometimes he knows my schedule better than me!
Christian: I admire Kolleen’s willingness to help me try new things and grow. For instance, I’ve been thinking about reducing meat and dairy in my diet but haven’t known where to start. Kolleen has also been trying to do the same, and she’s been someone I can experiment and try this diet with. She’s always very supportive.
Let’s do a lightning round—best Charlottesville date spot?
Answer: It’s got to be Now and Zen. Iron Paffles is a close second and spiritual experience in its own right though.
What’s your song?
Christian: I think it would be “Dizzy on the Comedown” by Turnover. Kolleen is big into music, and when we were apart this summer she would send me a song each day. This was my favorite and also one of hers.
What’s the first activity you’ll do when things go back to normal?
Answer: We’re on a mission to bankrupt Sushi King. Christian’s record is 28 rolls between four people. We haven’t been as a couple though, so we need to make a triumphant return!
A worthy goal! Walk me through an ideal day together.
Answer: So, this is an actual planned trip that we are crossing our fingers that we can still go on in December: We’d be in Hawaii and sleep in late. We’d get up and go for a run along the coast, or maybe a mountain path. From there we’d spend time in the water and on the beach, between the palm trees and in hammocks with many fruity drinks in hand.
Last question: What is one thing you would want to say, in public, possibly in front of the whole Law School (or at least our readership), to each other?
Kolleen: I’ve been in a few long-term relationships with some really great people, but Christian has shown me there is such a stark difference between dating a great person and dating a perfect fit. Even if the standards for men were where they generally should be, Christian would be so far above it—he breaks them all. It’s been night and day with him. He is the most empathetic person I know, and it’s really a joy and honor to date him.
Christian: Kolleen is the strongest person I know. She’s accomplished so much but remained so humble in spite of having overcome so many personal things. For instance, she’s one of four recipients for the public service award in our class, but I didn’t even learn that from her and had to read about it in the Docket. She graduated college with two degrees—not majors—DEGREES! She won a ton of awards at school too. You would never hear any of this from her though. She’s so brilliant, smart, empathetic, and kind. Her drive, intelligence, and humility push me to be better.
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty speechless by these answers, folks. Many thanks to Kolleen and Christian for joining us on Love in the Time of Corona and sharing their coronavirus experience. Are you a couple that’s been separated or getting creative during this social isolation period? A single who’s desire to mingle has been curtailed by COVID-19? A platonic friend or member of a family who wants to share how you’ve been making it through this together? Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and we want to hear about it! Email bes4cf@virginia.edu if you or someone you know might like to be featured on Love in the Time of Corona.
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