I focus on sociocultural perspectives of literacy in particular because literacy has historically acted as a gatekeeper to educational opportunity and equity. From my early career as a writing teacher for international and immigrant students, to teaching elementary students, and then teaching high school students abroad in Japan, I have seen and experienced how literacy is a source of identity, power, and opportunity. Because of experiences like these, I have dedicated my research studies to understanding how to prepare future teachers to support youth for the literacy demands of their school, work, and future.