Finding the time and energy to meet the demands of college life is especially tough for Lily, since she must work part-time as a waitress to help make ends meet. There is also a culture clash between the rarefied social air of campus and her husband's life as a carpenter. His supportive attitude begins to give way to exasperation and concern that his wife is slipping away from her family. Besides dealing with the academic challenge of the classroom and her husband's frustration, Lily must confront other difficult aspects of contemporary life on campus, which also threaten her marriage.
The strength of Lily's resolve and the love she shares with Brad prevail, however, and both her life and her marriage are ultimately made richer.