Q&A with Sarah Parrish on “The Aftermath”

An Interview with Sarah Parrish on The Aftermath by Stacy Padula—Dover, Massachusetts

1. Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why?

I think that anyone who is going through a hard time in high school would benefit from reading this book. This includes people who are trying to fit in and find their friends, those getting involved with the wrong people, or people consumed by drama, bad relationships and friendships. The Aftermath has a lot of good information and insight about these topics, especially with the drama between Jason, Cathy, and Jessie. 

2. What did you most enjoy about this story?

I enjoyed getting to know Jessie better because she is a new character. I thought it was very interesting the way that she believed that God brought her and Jason together and that Jason’s feelings are reciprocated. I also thought that it was interesting how Jason’s feelings for Cathy completely changed and he felt complete clarity when realizing what she was putting Jessie through. I am excited to see what happens with this situation next. 

3. What message does this book send to readers?

This book sends the message to readers to be a good person. It shares that it is important to have a good head on your shoulders and to have a good relationship with God. For Jason, it is important to tell the truth about what happened the night of the storm, because now he has this abundance of issues that are affecting his life. For Cathy, it is important to be kind and honest because now people, including Jason are seeing her truth colors and manipulation tactics. 

4. What do you hope happens between Jason and Cathy in the future?

I hope that Jason and Cathy do not get back together. I think that Jason and Jessie should be together because it would be really good for Jason. Beforehand, I think that Jason and Cathy should have a mature conversation and both decide to work on themselves and pursue better things. A relationship between Jessie and Jason could be really beneficial because it is something new and Jessie can help him better his relationship with God.

About Sarah Parrish

Sarah is a recent graduate of Dover-Sherborn High School where she was captain of the Alpine Ski Team and the Track and Field Team. She was also a member of her school’s Peer Helping Club and Community Service club. Throughout the summer, Sarah works as a counselor at a local summer camp and also as a server at the Chatham Filling station. With a passion for leadership and athletics, she enjoys ski instructing at Burke Mountain and coaching field hockey for Dover-Sherborn Youth Field Hockey. She also enjoys her participation in the Senior High Youth Group at Pilgrim Church where she volunteers around her community. In her freetime, she enjoys boating, skiing, running and traveling. Sarah plans to attend Indiana University’s renowned Kelley School of Business.