Dakota Smith’s Path from Crane Operator to Pharmacy Student
by Elizabeth Wingfield
A Young Crane Operator with Big Plans
At 25, Dakota Smith knew his life would never be the same.
Smith had worked in the oil field for more than six years, starting at age 19. By 21, he became a full-time crane operator—the youngest in his company. His job involved moving natural gas and oil drilling rigs across Texas, disassembling and reassembling them at new sites. The work was demanding, with each move typically taking two to three days and bigger jobs lasting up to two weeks. He took pride in his work, performing efficiently and safely in a tough environment.
A Life-Altering Accident
In 2013, everything changed. That year, he became a father, and with the arrival of his son, his priorities shifted. He began planning a transition to local work so he could be closer to his son. His future seemed bright and certain—until one night turned his life upside down.
After a long day assembling a drilling rig in South Texas, Smith was looking forward to relaxing. His temporary housing was just across the two-lane highway from the site—no more than 150 feet away. He decided not to fasten his seatbelt for the short drive. Before he knew it, a drunk driver slammed into his car, crumpling it like a soda can and flinging it across the road.
Smith woke up in a hospital bed, surrounded by the hum of machines and the faces of his family. He couldn’t speak, his jaw barely moving, and a tube down his throat muted his attempts. His family explained that he had been in a medically induced coma for two weeks, as doctors prepared them for the worst. The crash had fractured his skull, paralyzed his right arm and broken his neck, back, and nearly all of his ribs. Doctors had reconstructed the right side of his face, reattached his ear, fused his neck, and repaired his shoulder with 13 screws.
In the months that followed, Smith underwent multiple surgeries and relearned how to talk, walk, and eat. The physical recovery was grueling, but the emotional toll was equally heavy. Losing his career in the oil field was a devastating blow, and he grappled with depression and frustration as he tried to come to terms with his new reality. Yet, through it all, his son was his anchor. His determination to be present and engaged as a father kept him pushing forward.
A New Career Path
Five years later, Smith was ready to start a new chapter. Operating heavy machinery was no longer an option, so he began exploring other careers. Reflecting on the dedicated medical team that had saved his life, he saw an opportunity to give back. His experience with medications during his recovery sparked an interest in pharmacy. “I had so much interaction with the medical team after the wreck. I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to go help someone like all these people have helped me?’” he recalls. “After considering what I was physically capable of, pharmacy seemed to be the answer.”
Staying close to East Texas—and his son—made UT Tyler the perfect fit.
Smith is now in his third year at the UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy. He’s completed clinical rotations and engaged in research projects, gaining a broad range of experiences. While he appreciates the educational opportunities, what he values most are the relationships he’s built.
“Since the program is small, being a student here is like being a part of a family,” he says. “The professors know us by name and truly care about us, not just as students but as individuals. The college’s emphasis on teamwork encourages us to connect with our classmates as we teach and learn from each other.” This supportive environment has inspired him to pursue a career in academia, with the goal of returning to UT Tyler as a faculty member. He hopes to give back to future students in the same way his professors have supported him.
Through all the challenges, one constant remains: his son. Smith’s journey has not only reshaped his career but also deepened his commitment to fatherhood. Together, they’ve conquered the Ender Dragon in Minecraft, built their own cornhole boards, and cooked countless meals of steak and salad. “My relationship with my son is everything,” he says. “Every step I take in my career is for him.”
Looking Ahead
While the accident was a life-altering event, Smith believes that the true turning point was becoming a father. The accident may have redirected his career path, but fatherhood gave him purpose. Today, Dakota Smith is more than a pharmacy student and survivor—he’s a dedicated father, striving to set an example of resilience and compassion.
From the oil fields of Texas to the classrooms of UT Tyler, Smith’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of purpose. He hopes that one day, as a pharmacist or a professor, he’ll use his knowledge and experiences to help others, just as so many have helped him.