@elsaanna, you sound like a lovely person who has a lot to give to the world. The fact that you’re worried a bit about inconveniencing your teachers shows you have qualities of kindness and consideration for others. But don’t let those qualities become so misplaced that you fail to give the best of your potential to the world (and to yourself) because you’re too hesitant to ask for help. Good teachers love unlocking the potential in deserving students! I think you know this, and perhaps it’s why you are pulled to the fields of education and psychology (am I right?) If you do become an educator or some kind of therapist, a BIG part of your job will be encouraging people to stretch themselves to do things that will feel uncomfortable or downright scary, in order to break through limitations . If you like working with children, think of yourself in that context…if you were to help a child or teen with your own issue of shyness, what would do? I’d bet you’d not encourage that person to avoid asking for a recommendation or to only apply to schools that didn’t take them, would you? You would probably encourage their potential, not their fears. Treat yourself with as much kindness as you would anyone else! So take the brave step of talking to couple of your most approachable and supportive teachers and/or the ones in whose classes you’ve done your best work.
That said, it’s perfectly fine to be quiet or even shy…there are good things about each…as long as you learn to manage the downsides, honor the positives, and function well in the world with your self-respect intact. I HIGHLY recommend the books Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain, and The Highly Sensitive Person by Elain Aron.