During the pandemic, Samer faced financial difficulties and became a working student to support his studies. “To support my studies and to buy my wants and needs, I worked as a service crew in Moro Café at ORG compound,” he said. His only phone was a small Samsung Android. “Ang cellphone ko lang po noon ay isang maliit na Samsung Android, at minsan po nanghihiram lang din po ako sa kapatid ko para lang maka-attend ng online classes.”

During face-to-face classes, Samer emphasized, “Malaki po ang naging parte ng MSU-Maguindanao sa pag-abot po ng aking pangarap.” He joined the Gandingan Cultural Dance Troupe and also a scholar of the Tulong-Dunong Program, receiving allowances to support his studies.

Samer is also a member of the University Peace Club and was elected as Internal Vice-President. “I joined the University Peace Club because it was my way and opportunity to foster peace and unity within the campus and in different communities, and to uplift the Bangsamoro People,” he explained. He also rendered services by supporting the MNLF Transformation Program as one of the deployed Pre-Service Teachers at Nangaan National High School in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

“Sa mga kapwa ko mag-aaral, mahirap mag-aral pag ika’y galing sa hirap, pero hindi ito naging hadlang sa aking pag-aaral bagkus ako ay gumawa ng paraan upang masuportahan ko ang aking pangangailangan sa pag-aaral. Nakakapagod man pero dapat laban lang sa pangarap. Ngayon, ako ay magtatapos na sa kursong BSEd-English.”

“Lagi po natin pakatatandaan na normal lang po ang mapagod basta’t wag lang susuko. Sab’r is the key in every situation,” he added.

At his upcoming graduation, Samer A. Sumandal, a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English, will receive the PEACE ADVOCATE AWARD, a testament to his service and resilience. He wanted to express his gratitude to MSU-Maguindanao, saying: “Basta MSU, The BEST KA!”