ORU’s Aaron Siebler: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Determination, and Servant Leadership
Asma “Aaron” Siebler
Hometown: Germany
Field of Study: Ministry & Leadership
Born and raised in Germany, Asma “Aaron” Siebler dreamed of pursuing better opportunities
in the United States. Before this could unfold, Aaron would face many challenges.
Being raised by a single mother after his parents divorced, Aaron dealt with a lot
of pain and tried to cope by living recklessly.
“My childhood wasn't the best,” Aaron said. “I followed the lifestyle of the world, and finding hope was hard for me. If someone had taken me aside and said, ‘Hey, that's not who you are, and that's not where you're supposed to be,’ it would have helped me so much.”
Venturing to America
Through a growing passion for learning and his desire to experience a different culture, Aaron applied to an international au pair program. This program brought Aaron to the United States, where he worked as a full-time au pair for a family in San Francisco.
“I took care of three children from morning until evening,” said Aaron. “It wasn’t easy, but the parents really appreciated my help. When I went back to visit, I almost cried because when you care for someone’s children, you become their family.”
Aaron’s change of environment had a tremendous impact on his life. He joined a church community and began developing friendships with Christians who were taking their relationship seriously with the Lord. This ignited a desire in Aaron to start developing his relationship with the Lord.
“Back in Germany, all my friends were in a low place,” Aaron said. “We didn’t have anyone giving us a better example of how to live. But being in San Francisco, I had more encouragement to follow the path God had for me. That really made a difference in my choices and my growth.”
"Young people need examples so their gifts can be stewarded well. I believe that through proper training and the right programs, they can develop their gifts to use them for God's glory, not only in the church but outside the church as well.”
The Road That Led to ORU
Aaron says that his experience as a caregiver helped him embrace the values of responsibility, patience, and humility. These lessons would shape his leadership style in the years to come. Seeking to grow as a leader, Aaron made a solo trip to Tulsa to attend a church conference. It was a step of faith, and he did not know Tulsa would become his new home.
“After the conference, I stayed in Tulsa for a few extra days because the Lord was speaking to me,” said Aaron. “I felt Him telling me to go to school. So, I visited ORU, and when I walked on campus, I knew I was supposed to be here. Through the financial support of the grandparents of the children I cared for, I was able to enroll at ORU. God made a way for me!”
Life as a Student and Student-Body President
Aaron's ORU journey hasn't only revolved around academics and work, but he also intentionally connects and engages with people. Coming from a different place and culture, his influence rippled through his surroundings. After much encouragement from others, Aaron ran for Student Association president.
“I have always loved the ORU student body, but for a long time, I didn't want to become the Student Association president,” said Aaron. “I was asked to run my freshman year, and I said, ‘No, why me?’ Many students are more gifted and are better speakers than me. But I was told how I lead is unique because I don't pretend to be someone God never called me to be. I want to see different generations, nationalities, and ethnicities coming together for Christ. Not only in a spiritual way but academically to bring an impact wherever God sends them.”
Aaron's leadership journey also extends beyond the campus. Currently, he works as an after-school teacher and uses the power of media and communication to share the Gospel. After Aaron finishes school, he wants to return to Germany and help lead a spiritual and cultural transformation.
“I see more clubs than churches in Germany,” said Aaron. “The country has so many gifted people, but their gifts are being used in the clubs in a secular way. Young people need examples so their gifts can be stewarded well. I believe that through proper training and the right programs, they can develop their gifts to use them for God's glory, not only in the church but outside the church as well.”
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.