Has anybody in here actually used a UML diagram in real life?

I've worked at a software company as a developer for almost 3 years and never once seen and/or needed a UML diagram. My class (software development degree) just got railed by our teacher for half assing our UML diagrams. I can't help but moan at the utter uselessness of reading through the directions and "circling nouns & verbs".

There are much simpler and much more useful ways to communicate project requirements and objects.

Im half venting, but pretty curious if anybody has some insight for me. Thanks!