Weightlifting - starting from ground zero, and I have big plans. Any tips?

Hi r/fitness!

I'm 25 years old, female, 5'8'', and I weigh 140 lbs. I have done minimal exercise in the past (mostly some jazzercise now and then) and am not in shape, but I eat pretty well and my metabolism is good. I have a congenital defect - I'm missing a couple of bones in each foot - and while that doesn't affect my daily activities and movement at all, it means that long-distance running is very uncomfortable.

I recently began a university program, which means that I have access to some great gym facilities. Two male friends of mine, who are serious weightlifters, have been showing me the ropes and encouraged me to set goals. This is what I came up with:

• Do a pull-up (or chin-up, either one I guess).

• Do 75 push-ups in a row. As a result of your feedback, I ended up changing this one to "beat my fiance at arm-wrestling"

• Squat my body weight.

When I say I'm starting at ground zero, I mean it- I'm currently bench-pressing just the bar, and I can't even squat the bar. I've been trying out the following exercises: bench-press, shoulder-press with free weights, pull-ups and dips on an assisted pull-up machine, row machine. I am feeling very weak right now.

Two questions: do you have any tips and general advice for me? And, how would you recommend getting over being very intimidated? I feel extremely awkward at the gym, like everyone is looking at me, like I don't belong, and like I don't know what I'm doing. I'm also almost the only female there. It's quite scary.

Thanks in advance for your advice.