Austin has always had long hair.  That's good because it would be cool for everybody to grow their hair as long as they can... everywhere.  Here, we see Austin's hair braided up. I only recall him doing two tails like that once, in fact, when I took this picture in late 1999.

Behind Austin, is the south side of the Capitol of Texas.  We are facing north and on the west side of Congress Avenue

Austin Bender looking at Austin, Texas.

In July of 1999 Austin realized his goal of getting a full-fleged high school diploma.  Oh, wait.  He did braid his hair for that occasion, too, it seems.

This was the more typical look for Austin.  After he graduated, Austin continued to work as my part-time assistant while he attended classes at Austin Community College