Many admissions officers say that a well-spent year off is hardly a bad thing. Students who have done this tend to come to school a little more mature and responsible, and usually they have done some pretty interesting things. Taking a breather does not necessarily mean living at home and flipping burgers for minimum wage. There's generally no shortage of seasonal work, particularly in the seafood industry. But this is not for the faint of heart.
Jobs range from unloading boats to cooking and packaging salmon to simply cleaning up.
Some canneries provide room and board and transportation costs to Alaska, and the compensation can be attractive. Potentially interesting and lucrative work, depending on the establishment. Definitely not the military, but not exactly the Peace Corps, either, because it involves working on service projects in American communities. She has helped teach elementary school children in Houston. It's very valuable.