Letters of recommendation?

So I'm applying to college and thinking about getting letters of recommendation. The problem is that I tend to be the quiet kid in class and I'd be awkward asking most of my teachers. That and I don't really have any extracurriculars, as some teachers will ask for a list of them. Should I pick a teacher and get one anyway, even though it might not be the best representation of me because I'm quiet and introverted, or should I just go without the letter and write a really well-thought out personal statement about my unique personality and ability to think outside the box and things like that? How much do you think it'd hurt me to not have a letter? And how much for not really have any extracurriculars? I'm applying to Pitt and Penn State as my first two choice btw. Thanks! I know that sort of turned into a rant...