Motivational letter help

Hello, I posted another request, but I am not sure if it was posted, so just in case I am doing it again. If anyone would give me some feedback or guidelines towards an improvement on this motivational letter it will be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Dear Madam/Sir,

I am applying for the PhD position in cognitive neuroscience at the University of xxxx.

From an early age, I have always had a vast spectrum of interests, among which science has persistently played a leading role. With time, I became increasingly fascinated by the biological sciences: this is why I chose it as my major at the University of xxx at the undergraduate level, and further developed it in the University of xxx at the graduate level. During my studies, I explored the many fascinating possibilities in this field, and I participated in enriching experiences and internships, further developing my acquired knowledge.
At the University of Pittsburgh, the biology programme was extremely demanding and very competitive. During my undergraduate degree, I developed methodical study habits and rigorous personal discipline, which evolved into in-depth knowledge of the foundations of biology. Almost every summer during my studies, I took additional courses and pursued different internships (ecology, genetics, neuroscience) in the U.S.A., Canada, and Bulgaria. Throughout my student years, I have always pursued my desire to be actively engaged in academia, and have cultivated different interests and hobbies, as I believe personal enrichment is important in any field of work. For example, I became fluent in Russian, participated in different cultural organizations, and was always keen on reading, music and the arts. My participation in various teams and teamwork has always been a part of my career both in academia and in the workforce.
After moving back to Bulgaria, I pursued a Master’s degree at the University of xxx, while simultaneously working as a researcher at the Institute of xxx, at the xxx. My interest in neuroscience grew exponentially: the human brain, cognitive processes, behaviour, and the processes of memory and learning, which we thoroughly studied. The harsh conditions, including the aged equipment and very low compensation, provided numerous challenges. However, I remained positive and motivated, which had a very constructive impact on me and my colleagues. It was also a wonderful experience to contrast two different educational systems, and two different methods of scientific research. These are core values of my work ethic, and they help me mold all my important decisions.
I obtained my Master’s degree in molecular biology/physiology from the University of xxx, and prepared and defended my thesis, while simultaneously conducting research in the laboratory. It further expanded my knowledge and interests in these fields. While I was there I obtained a background in research, both theoretical and practical. We mastered different behavioural tests (shuttle-box, step-through, Optovarmiex) as well as surgical techniques (stereotaxic technique). The topic of my thesis was “The Effects of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on Memory and Learning in a Model of Depression”. Our team worked with Wistar rats and we performed olfactory bulbectomy to simulate depression-like state in the brain. We studied the effects of memory and learning, after an induced simulated depression. Following a treatment of vasoactive intestinal peptide, our results showed improvement in memory and learning.

In conclusion, I believe I would be a great addition to your programme, because the subject of cognitive neuroscience, and the research and methods used continue to incite my interest. I also believe I have the background and motivation and abilities to contribute substantially to the research. The University of xxx would provide me with the opportunity to develop my potential, an opportunity currently not quite possible in my country. I am hard working, positive and creative person, and I believe I would be a great addition to the PhD position in cognitive neuroscience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Todor Toromanov