José Edgardo Alemán Molina, a new Spanish teacher at Westford Academy, has lived in two different countries and now commutes two hours to work.

Born as the youngest in a family of six in Santa Ana, El Salvador, Alemán received traits from everyone in his family. His first name comes from his two uncles who were known to be very hard working but died at a young age. Alemán’s father taught him to be meticulous and careful.  These attributes still affect Alemán today, as he keeps nearly everything in his life in an orderly fashion. He believes that neatness is an important habit.

In Santa Ana, Alemán joined his neighborhood Boy Scouts, where he did many exciting and daring activities. These adventurous activities led Alemán to explore the surrounding environment. Alemán not only encountered a volcano, but he also experienced one of the most dangerous moments of his life by sleeping in the middle of a crater with his wife’s aunt. 

Ironically, Alemán met his future American wife in El Salvador. As a result of his future wife becoming homesick, Alemán reasoned that the only way he would leave his country would be if they married, so they tied the knot and moved to San Francisco.  Shortly after moving to San Francisco, they relocated to Vermont where his parents-in-law live and where they could raise a family. To this day, he and his family live in Vermont. 

In both America and in El Salvador, Alemán is motivated to make the world a better place through volunteering or as he calls it, solidarity.

“We should all have the opportunity to serve our country, [and] not by fighting,” said Alemán. 

Alemán is currently volunteering to help make a solar energy farm in El Salvador, so that people across the country can have better lives. The energy farm will generate five megawatts, or enough power to provide for a large town. He also volunteers at an organization called Tecschange. Tecschange helps donate equipment such as computers and laptops to people who are less-fortunate. In addition, he co-founded and volunteers at an organization called Stand for Democracy.

Before becoming acquainted with Alemán, many would not know that he was once a diplomat and a consul general. He did not receive those titles to have a higher social standing; he chose those titles for public service and to help other people. While employed for the consulate, Alemán met numerous significant figures and helped touch the lives of countless people through servicing the community.

 As seen through his many commitments to the public and his family, Alemán’s goal in life is to help organize his community and to help make the world a better place.