C-Falls graduate chooses authenticity

Editor’s note: The Daily Inter Lake is following up with six young adults who were profiled as high school seniors in a series recognizing noteworthy graduates from the Class of 2016 that highlighted students who turned challenges into personal triumphs.

For Daniel Batt, 19, adulthood has meant more freedom to be his authentic self.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism, Batt said he is happy to have reached a level of maturity in his senior year at Columbia Falls High School that continues to be a work in progress.

“It’s a choice you have to make for yourself,” Batt said.

While stereotypes are unavoidable at any age, Batt realizes that differences can translate as strengths.

As a high school senior Batt talked about the courage it took to be himself and gain a deeper sense of responsibility. Following Batt into high school were ongoing behavioral struggles and a disciplinary record that was compounded by peer pressure and bullying. Acting out in attempts to fit in left him more of an outsider.

Eventually, Batt found a niche on the mat as a hard-working wrestler and as a drummer in the high school percussion program. By his senior year, he earned straight As for the first time.

“Now I see it as simply be yourself. Believe in the fact you can rely on yourself to get to your own path. And it’s OK to accept help,” Batt said about being a young adult. “I’ve gained new friends and broadened my horizons.”

Currently he is working seasonal jobs, most recently with Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Batt remains enthusiastic about music, and is still contemplating pursuing a degree in music production or recording arts and is looking into joining the Air Force as an avenue to achieve that dream.

“I still write music,” Batt said. “I’m still enjoying that very much. I’ve always had an incredible passion for music.”

Playing key roles in his path of personal development were wrestling coaches and staff at Columbia Falls High School, along with his family, who he still keeps in touch with.

“I love talking to my old coaches. I’m thinking about going to see them after work today,” he said.

After high school graduation, he realized his outlook on life needed revision.

“Before senior year I looked at the glass half-empty. After senior year I looked at the glass half-full. One thing my boss told me was, ‘why not just get the right-sized glass,’” Batt said.

On the search for the “right-sized glass,” for his life to fill, the pressure of graduating high school is gone, replaced with a new set of challenges in navigating life.

“I mean, of course, there’s always the pressure of adulthood beating upon you and you have to be strong,” Batt said. “You have to be able to persevere through it and find the right path. It’s difficult to figure out life for yourself and such. It’s life. I take every day, day-by-day.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.