How lucky! Now is your chance to start off right. Learn how to use a thimble on your needle pushing finger. I was lucky enough to take a class with Ami Sims back in the day and got started of right. There are lessons on the net nowadays.
I like a metal thimble with a rim on my index finger but some use their middle finger. Find out what works for you. Hand quilting needles are called "betweens" and I use a number 10. I prefer Guterman's hand quilting thread.
You might also like to look into the " big stitch" method of hand quilting for a different look.