Have you ever wondered what people think of you when they see you? For many of us, it’s easy to assume no one notices, especially when we’re just going about our day. But the truth is, you might be inspiring or admired by more people than you know. This was something I realized during my varsity days when a random compliment completely changed how I saw myself.

Back in varsity, I wasn’t someone who stood out in big groups. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, and apart from my small circle of friends, I didn’t interact much with others in my classes. Every day, I’d show up, take my notes, and leave without making much fuss. I liked dressing up for myself, though. Picking cute outfits was something that gave me joy, even if I thought no one else cared.

One day, however, I realized just how wrong I was. It was an ordinary day, and I was running a little late for class. The only available seat was next to a girl I’d seen a few times but never spoken to. As I sat down and unpacked my books, she turned to me and said something I’ll never forget: “You always dress so nicely. I’ve seen you in some of the cutest outfits, and I just love your style.”

I was stunned for a second. It wasn’t because of the compliment itself—I mean, everyone loves a good compliment—but because she had been paying attention to me all this time, and I had no idea.

Her words stayed with me for days. It made me wonder: How many other people notice me? Not just for my outfits, but for the way I laugh, the way I listen to my friends, or even how I show up to class every day with determination. It wasn’t that I thought everyone was secretly obsessed with me, but it was eye-opening to realize that people see things in you that you might not see in yourself.

And this isn’t just about me. It happens to all of us. We underestimate the small ways we make an impact on the people around us. The person you sit next to on the bus might admire your confidence. That quiet kid in your class might be inspired by how you answer questions. Even someone you’ve never spoken to could be uplifted just by seeing you smile.

It’s easy to feel invisible, especially in a world where everyone seems to be fighting for attention online and offline. But the reality is, you don’t need to have a thousand followers or a big group of friends to make an impression. You don’t even need to try. The little things—like how you carry yourself, how you treat others, or how you express yourself—are what leave a mark on people.

This realization can be a game-changer. Being a young person often comes with a lot of self-doubt. You worry about how you look, whether people like you, or if you’re good enough. But just like me in varsity, you might already be making someone’s day without knowing it. That’s the beauty of being loved or admired from afar—you don’t have to be perfect or popular for it to happen.

Think about it: how often have you admired someone silently? Maybe it’s the girl in your math class who always has the coolest hairstyles or the guy in your science group who’s always kind to others. Maybe it’s even someone online whose posts make you smile. Chances are, they don’t know the effect they have on you—and that’s exactly how someone out there might feel about you.

This experience taught me to embrace the idea that I am seen, even when I don’t feel like it. It’s a reminder to be kinder to yourself. When you’re having a bad day or feeling like you don’t matter, remember: someone, somewhere, admires you for being exactly who you are.

And maybe, just maybe, we should all take a page out of that girl’s book and let people know when we appreciate them. Imagine how much brighter the world would feel if we gave more compliments, told people what we admire about them, or simply smiled at someone who looked like they needed it.

So, here’s my advice: keep doing you. Whether it’s your outfits, your attitude, or your sense of humor, someone out there is noticing. You are more inspiring than you realize, and sometimes, just being yourself is enough to make someone’s day better. You don’t have to change who you are or seek attention—just live your life, and trust that you’re leaving a little spark wherever you go.

And the next time someone tells you how much they admire something about you, believe them. You are loved and appreciated in ways you might never fully see—but that doesn’t make it any less real.