In the summer of '92, Joshua Ballard, a brilliant but aimless college student, meets lighthouse keeper Seth Arden at a seaside college town. His reckless detachment from classmates Micki and Keat and his stern college professor ultimately forces him to embark on a journey of self-discovery about love and life. An unexpected friendship with the lighthouse keeper's young niece Andrea opens his eyes to the acceptance of his friends in this memorable summer that saved his life.