OC HIGH / Students News and Views : SO LITTLE TIME : How do teens who manage to be involved in so many different activities do it all? Orange County students tell how they keep their lives humming smoothly.

Ever feel like you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off?

Join the club. Today’s high school students often find themselves doing some fancy footwork as they juggle very busy schedules.

How do students who seem to be involved in everything keep it all straight? And is it really worth it?

Staying Involved

“Keeping myself busy has been the best thing I could have ever done. Life would be boring without all the activities I’m involved in,” said Shannon Noonan, a junior at Santa Margarita High School in Rancho Santa Margarita.

“After basketball practice ends, I throw my jersey off and get ready for club volleyball practice. I eat on the way there and then practice for another few hours. When I get home, I start my homework about 10 p.m.

“Although sometimes I have to sacrifice going out with my friends on the weekends, having a busy schedule has had no other bad effect on me. I’m just the kind of person who loves staying involved and helping other people.”

Yet despite her full schedule, Noonan says she’s never felt like she just couldn’t take it anymore. She manages her time so well that she says she barely notices she’s doing so much.

“Most of my time management occurs in the organizer I carry at all times. Without it, I would be lost.”

Noonan also volunteers at the Villa Valencia retirement home. She spends time talking with the senior citizens and takes them shopping.

On the Go

Life is in constant motion for Patrick Strader, a senior at Santa Margarita.

“Due to football practice, I rarely get home before 7 p.m. By the time I eat dinner and take a shower, the only thing I feel like doing is going to bed,” he said.

Managing his time is vital to success in his advanced placement and honors courses, says Strader, who is president of his school’s Associated Student Body. He also started the tradition of male cheerleading at his school and participates in soccer.

He admits to having his mother help keep things straight.

“My mom is quite a help in that she reminds me at night of the things I need to get done that week, and in the morning she reminds me of the things I need to get done that day. She also keeps a calendar for me that maps out activities months in advance.”

What’s life like at home? “Although family dinners on week nights usually don’t happen, my parents always take time out when I get home to talk to me for a few minutes. On Sundays is when the whole family gets together for dinner.”

In his spare time, Strader likes going to the beach and playing golf.

“If I wasn’t busy every moment of the day, life would be very boring. I love the excitement and anxiety of having a ton of things to do, with little time. It makes life so much more interesting. By participating in activities constantly, I know I haven’t cheated myself out of having a good time.”

Don’t Procrastinate

Erin Emmons, also a senior at Santa Margarita, said she manages a full schedule by getting things done early.

“I try to do assignments early so I can manage all my other activities,” Emmons said.

“With National Charity League meetings, song-leading and finishing up college applications, I don’t have time to put homework off until the night before it’s due.”

Make Lists

Few students juggle a schedule as full as that of Nicole Alvino, a senior at Marina High School in Huntington Beach.

In addition to volunteering five hours a week at Oak View Elementary School as a bilingual aid, Alvino works part time in the office at Huntington Beach’s Murgy Park. She is president of a National Charity League group and vice president of the Huntington Beach Junior Philharmonic Society.

“I push myself to do a lot because I get satisfaction out of it. I like volunteering and giving to those in need. I feel I have been very fortunate and that I have a lot to offer,” Alvino said .

As an American Field Service exchange student last summer in Venezuela, Alvino became fluent in Spanish. She is now president of her high school’s Spanish club as well as president of the AFS club.

“Time management plays a huge role in my life. I have a calendar that I carry with me at all times that I would be lost without. Having three siblings and both parents that work, I have to manage my schedule myself.”

Alvino, who was nominated to the homecoming court, also served as chairwoman of homecoming. She’s on the yearbook staff and plays varsity soccer. And her studies haven’t suffered. She has a 4.2 grade point average.

“What helps me a lot is making lists and crossing things off as I do them,” Alvino said.

And what about family dinners? “I don’t get that many chances to eat with my family during the week because I’m so busy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love staying busy because that’s just the kind of person I am. Doing more activities allows me to manage my time better. Besides, I can always eat with my family on Sunday. Not seeing my family that much during the week makes me miss them and draws us closer together.

“I also think I will be better prepared for college by managing my own time and not depending on my parents for help. Yet I feel the support I receive from them is the best I could get. All my parents want is for me to do my best. I push myself.”

Making Your Time Count

* Carry a calendar at all times.

* Plan ahead--don’t wait until the last minute to get things done.

* Prioritize--do the most important things first.

* Stay on task--limit phone and television time.

* Keep a positive attitude.

* Know when you are in over your head--don’t be afraid to drop activities if you find the load is too heavy.