FLOAT ON

When the Ursuline Nuns departed France in 1727, heading to La Nouvelle-Orléans, the journey was anything but pleasant. They were stuck at sea for months, ran out of food and fresh water, and almost had to throw everything overboard to keep afloat. The stories of their treacherous voyage earned them the title of the "Unsinkable Ursulines." Despite setbacks, they floated on.

When I began compiling my playlist for Convent, "Float On" by Modest Mouse was an easy choice. The popular early 2000s song sends a message of radical optimism—quite fitting for a group of nuns heading to Louisiana in an attempt to flee their own troubles and start fresh. I also chose this song because Camille's appearance is described as plain, even mousy. Although a mouse may not seem heroic, it is a symbol of quiet resourcefulness and persistence, with an acute attention to detail.

As we follow Camille through the series, we learn that a combination of optimism and faith, with a sprinkle of magic, can lead to survival. Camille's character teaches that progress comes with patience, survival is a strength, and faith is formidable.