循前人智慧，踏上学术之旅有如在未知的水域航行。正如拉尔夫∙沃尔多∙爱默生所说：“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”(不要沿着前人的路走，去自己开路并留下足迹）。在这一原则的指引下，我来到了中国，从清华大学出发，又走进了山东大学这片沃土。

我在中国的学术生涯始于在清华大学土木水利学院的博士学习，博士提前半年毕业后很荣幸入选清华面向全球优秀青年学者招募的“水木学者”计划，在博士后期间作为负责人获批两项基金项目，包括国家自然科学基金外国青年学者研究基金和中国博士后科学基金。博士后出站后，我的学术生涯得以在山东大学延续。我最初是通过土建与水利学院赵然杭教授了解到山大的。院学术委员会主任刘斌教授和张庆松院长组织了我的面试，随后我与学院老师进行了长时间交流。正是这次面试让我对山大充满期待和向往，同时也为土建与水利学院浓厚的学术氛围、出色的国际化建设所吸引，于是我毫不犹豫地决定加入这个大家庭。

之后，从合同签订、入境签证申请再到入职流程办理，尽管手续繁多，山东大学国际事务部、人事部、土建与水利学院相关老师一直认真负责、考虑周到，给我提供了许多指导与帮助，令我很受感动。刚到济南，我就感受到了学校大家庭的热烈欢迎，土建与水利学院各位老师与我进行了深度交流，他们对我的鼓励和信任令我深感知遇之恩，也坚定了我的决心。

作为新入职老师，我有信心为山东大学卓越的学术传统和创新精神作出自己的贡献。我也时刻铭记，入职这所著名学府是多么幸运的事情。衷心感谢山东大学教职员工的帮助，特别感谢学院的人事秘书和国际交流专员老师，帮助我完成许多文件和手续的办理，更我更加增添了投身学校发展的责任感。

济南这座城市以深厚的历史和文化底蕴闻名，为我的工作和生活增添了许多亮丽色彩。怀着最深切的感激之情，我将积极迎接机遇和挑战，迈向光明和充满希望的未来。

日记原文：

Embarking on a prosperous academic career is similar to navigating uncharted waters, under the wisdom of those who have gone before us. As stated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Adhering to this principle, I have forged my journey, commencing from Tsinghua University to the esteemed corridors of Shandong University.

My academic career in China began with a PhD at the School of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University. After graduating six months ahead of a planned schedule (early graduation), I was honored to be selected as a Shuimu Scholar (a postdoc position offered to the outstanding young talents all over the world by Tsinghua University). During this pivotal period, I secured two research projects as Principal Investigator, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (under the Research Fund for International Young Scientist Research Grant, RFIS-I) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, respectively. These achievements lead my career to the esteemed shores of Shandong University.

My initial exposure to the promising opportunities within this prestigious University established through contacting Prof. Ranhang Zhao in the School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University. The chairman of the Academic Committee Prof. Liu Bin and Prof. Zhang Qingsong organized my interview. Later, I had a long-time communication with the teachers here. It was the interview that sparked my eager anticipation and enthusiasm with the Shandong University. I was also fascinated by the strong academic atmosphere and excellent international development at the School of Civil Engineering, so that I decided to join this big family without any hesitation.

During the later process of the contract signing, application of entry visa and the induction, the faculty members in the Department of International Affairs, Personnel Department and School of Civil Engineering were always highly responsible, careful and helpful, which made me deeply moved. Upon my arrival at Jinan for the first time, I was warmly welcomed by the Shandong University family; teachers at the School of Civil Engineering had a deep communication with me. Their encouragement and belief in my potential inspired in me a deep sense of gratitude and determination.

As I embark on this new chapter at Shandong University, I am very confident to contribute to its rich legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Progressing forward, this journey serves as a constant reminder of the privilege bestowed upon me to be a part of such a prestigious and renowned institute. I express my sincere gratitude to the esteemed faculty and staff members of Shandong University, especially the teachers responsible for personnel development and international affairs at the School of Civil Engineering, for their warm reception and entrusting me with the responsibility to contribute to its esteemed legacy.

Jinan, famous for its diverse culture and intellect environment, provides ideal facilities to smoothen this exciting journey. With deepest gratitude, I look forward to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as collectively we strive towards a brighter and promising future.