Arlene V. Drachslin teaches freshman English Composition at California Baptist University. She plans to teach Children’s Literature and Young Adult Literature in the future. Currently, she is writing her Master’s Thesis at California Baptist University. The primary texts for her thesis are Ralph Ellison ‘s Invisible Man and Tim O ‘Brien ‘s The Things They Carried. Her thesis explores the conflicts that motivate the protagonists ‘ transitions from purpose, to passion, to perception, this journey to survival. The thesis focuses on survival of the consciousness via examination of the tangible and intangible things the characters carry with them as highly significant artifacts. These artifacts are implemented as catalysts to advance the story lines in these two novels. She will complete her thesis in the Spring of 2011. Ms. Drachslin lives in Riverside, CA with her husband of 23 years, Bob Drachslin. They are parents of teenagers: Lanae, Alyssa, and Chandler.