The Educated Debutante

05/13/2026

Dear Rep. Virginia Foxx…

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KFugBgLqW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Dear Rep. Virginia Foxx,

When ten year old Christian Mango was given an assignment to “write a persuasive essay and send it to a change maker,” he chose you- HIS congresswoman.

He requested a tax rebate for electric vehicle purchases and shared why:

“They’re better than normal cars. They’re better for the environment. They pay less. And there’s no gas.”

A well constructed essay for a fourth grader most would agree, but not you.

I’m surprised. You hold a Doctorate in Education from UNC-G, taught at ASU and served 12 years on the Watauga Board of Education.

I, too, have a degree in higher education- a Master’s from UNC-CH and a PhD from NC State. More importantly, I have volunteered countless hours as the mother of four children who have attended Edenton Chowan Schools.

Unlike you, I KNOW what teachers are doing and how hard they’re working to educate students in the state of North Carolina.

Your response to Christian was emailed to his school on May 1, 2026. I imagine the confusion when his fourth grade teacher read your response aloud to the classroom, especially this portion:

"Please ask your teacher to explain propaganda to you. My guess is that your teachers will not give you a good educational experience and help you learn to think as they are too interested in indoctrinating you."

What is ironic is that Christian is not a student at a fledgling North Carolina public school. Christian attends the Canterbury School, a private Episcopal day school in Greensboro, NC- a school you would typically laud with your conservative view, dedication to Christianity and support for school choice.

I think it’s time to hang up your hat and retire. Give up your campaign for what could be your 12th term and head on back to Banner Elk. Maybe sign up as a school volunteer- if they’ll have you- read to kindergartners, es**rt little boys with autism to the speech therapist, play four square on the playground. Take note of the teachers who stay late and give hugs.

After that, write Christian a letter of apology and his teachers, too.

Signed,
Adrian H. Wood, PhD

09/16/2025

Wrapping paper season!

https://registercw.com/DnF1p6dtpV

09/11/2025

Buy the Wrapping Paper

Yep, you heard me.

Buy it. I remember being half annoyed at the little people that I would see trudging up our driveway, a glossy sheet clutched in the small palm and the hopeful knocking.

Not much money to spare? We know.
Not in the market for magazines? We know.
Not a wrapping paper or peanut type? We know.

Oranges, donuts, fancy colanders? Buy them.

You see, it's not about you. It's not even really about the schools or churches or organizations raising money, though field trips and mission trips are awfully important.

It's about the little people.
It's about the bright faces that dream of success.
It's about encouraging confidence and remembering our own childhoods.

I've watched my children traverse the neighborhood, the familiar houses in the small town of historic Edenton and the neighbors have said yes.

Over and over, they've said yes.

Will you throw caution to the wind?
Will you abandon your curmudgeon ways?
Will you send a child home happy with success?

Buy the goods of our youngest merchants and remember it's not about whether or not you need wrapping paper.

It’s about field trips and the children who have never seen the ocean or a sprawling lion.

This time, it’s Amos’s turn. ❤️

Buy here: https://registercw.com/uE6ZCPsOTM

09/04/2025

Take my three minute HCM Survey!!!

Click: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8424569/Adrian-Wood

FYI, no personal information will be saved, stored or sold, and you can enter to win one of 5 $100 VISA gift cards as an incentive to spend a few minutes taking the survey!

09/04/2025

rhttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9iRhH127/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I don’t know where we would be without her.
A girl amongst three brothers.
And none depend on her as much as this one.
I depend on her, too.
And not just for being my shopping buddy, sharing shoes and laughing at Daddy.
No, she has led me to acceptance.
He has never been lesser to her.
The sister baby she dreamt of never arrived yet it in the blink of a baby brother, her four year old self forgot she ever wanted anyone else.
She’s his champion.
Autism and a genetic disorder didn’t phase her preschool self.
While I wept tears of grief, the diagnosis to her was like water off a duck’s back.
He has always been enough.
Perfectly imperfect just like the rest of us.

08/11/2025

Old Mom Monday Night- 8PM

https://www.youtube.com/live/79x2hB_ZzEU?si=11ldCgUijiMnGrU0

Get your popcorn ready!

Recorded live by Adrian H. Wood, PhD. from Tales of an Educated Debutante. Never miss a video. To follow along and subscribe click on the link below: https:/...