Milpitas Unified School District

In 2012, Eddie Murphy starred in a film called “A Thousand Words.” In the movie his name was “Jack.” I thought it was a pretty good movie because I appreciated the simple plot that every word Jack spoke, a leaf would fall off of a mythical Bodhi tree that only had 1,000 leaves.

This past November, I celebrated a birthday that told me I had less than 4,000 days left on the planet, or approximately 12 years around the sun if I reached my life expectancy as a man of African Ancestry in America. I remember counting up to 2,000 before, it was hard to focus but I did it, and that experience made me realize 4,000 days wasn't that much time. While in my 20s, 30s, and 40s it wasn't. Today, it is my reality. 

And then I thought - what if I could live an infinite life, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally fit under the condition that I could only say 1,000 words a day, everyday, forever? And every word counted, one letter words, two letter words, slang, words like “ouch” and “oh” would count as well. No exceptions. 

In a day there are 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. I couldn't even say a word a minute. If I slept 8 hours, there would be only 16 hours, 960 minutes, 57,600 seconds. I could say at least one word per minute, unless I spoke out loud in my sleep. 

As of the day of this writing, my wife, 2 kids, mom, sister, dog, and many of my childhood friends are still on the planet and drivers of my purpose for being. On a daily basis, I speak to my wife about her day. My mom is 81 and I call her more and more knowing one day, I won't have that option. My kids have finished high school and just beginning to figure out how to launch. My sister and I connect every few days and have started going to old school hip hop concerts together and I sing almost every word to every song. I have more than 2 years on my current term as a school board member and contemplating running again in 2026 to ensure educational leadership continuity in the place that raised me. I currently have a role in developing California School Boards Association curriculum for student board members, new school board members, and board presidents across the state. I pray in whispers and sometimes out loud at different times of the day. I mentor young people every chance I get. Wow!

Could I figure out how to keep it all? What would I say? When would I say it? To whom would I say it? What would I give up? Who would I give up? Could I use a gadget that could read my mind and say the words for me? Could I just write or use sign language? Would I want to live with only having the ability to say 1,000 words per day? 

So many things to consider for this opportunity! So much reflection on the times when I talk too much, or talk to myself when I'm alone, or singing in my car or when I would get into a deep conversation with others that inspires me.

What would you do if you had the opportunity to use a 1,000 words to infinity and beyond?


Chris Norwood,
MUSD Senior Board Member
2020 State Board Member of the Year